EA/RIR/FRFA of a Regulatory Amendment for a Local Area Halibut Management Plan for Sitka Sound
August 26, 1999
Analysis of an action to establish a Local Area Management Plan for the halibut fishery in Sitka Sound in the Gulf of Alaska.
The regulation prohibits halibut fishing in Sitka Sound by commercial fishing vessels greater than 35 ft and, during June, July, and August, by commercial fishing vessels less than or equal to 35 ft, and charter vessels. This action is necessary to address the decreased availability of halibut in Sitka Sound. The objective is to allocate halibut fishing opportunities in Sitka Sound among fishermen fishing with commercial vessels, anglers fishing from charter vessels, subsistence/personal use fisheries, and sport fishermen.